Circular building adaptability in multi-residential buildings – the status quo and a conceptual design framework

Journal article, 2024

Purpose – There is a renowned interest in adaptability as an important principle for achieving circularity in
the built environment. Circular building adaptability (CBA) could enable long-term building utilisation and
flexible use of space with limited material flows. This paper identifies and analyses design strategies
facilitating CBA to propose a framework for enhancing the implementation of the concept.
Design/methodology/approach – Interviews were conducted with professionals experienced in circular
building design to explore the questions “How do currently applied design strategies enable CBA?” and “How
can CBA be implemented through a conceptual design framework?”. The interviews encircled multi-residential
building examples to identify currently applied circular design strategies. The interviews were analysed
through qualitative content analysis using CBA determinants as a coding framework.
Findings – The results show that all ten CBA determinants are supported by design strategies applied in
current circular building design. However, some determinants are more supported than others, and design
strategies are often employed without explicitly considering adaptability. The design strategies that enable
adaptability offer long-term solutions requiring large-scale modifications rather than facilitating low-impact
adaptation by dwelling occupants. The proposed conceptual design framework could aid architects in
resolving these issues and implementing CBA in their circular building design.
Originality/value – This paper’s contribution to CBA is threefold. It demonstrates design strategies
facilitating CBA, proposes a conceptual design framework to apply the concept and identifies the need for a
more comprehensive application of available adaptability strategies.